Electrical power source for an intravenous fluid heating system

ABSTRACT

An apparatus heats fluids. A number of lithium-ion cells are positioned within a housing. A first connector is positioned on a first end of the housing and opperably connected to the number of lithium-ion cells. The first connector is configured to receive electrical power from a power source. A second connector is positioned on a second end of the housing and opperably connected to the number of lithium-ion cells. A heating element has a tube for transferring fluid. The heating element is configured to connect to the second connector. A controller is positioned within the housing and opperably connected to the number of lithium-ion cells and the second connector. The controller is configured to monitor a rate at which the electrical power is received by the heating element and limit an amount of the electrical power received by the heating element when the rate reaches a predetermined level.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a divisional of prior U.S. application Ser. No.13/227,326 filed Sep. 7, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,690,842 issued onApr. 8, 2014, which claims benefit to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/511,466, filed Jul. 25, 2011. U.S. application Ser.No. 13/227,326 is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/891,463, filed on Sep. 27, 2010 and are herebyincorporated by reference into the present application as if fully setforth herein.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/891,463 is further related to U.S.Pat. No. 6,142,974, entitled “Portable I.V. Fluid Warming System,” whichissued Nov. 7, 2000, and to U.S. Pat. No. 6,139,528, entitled“Intravenous Fluid Warming System,” which issued Oct. 31, 2000. U.S.Pat. Nos. 6,142,974 and 6,139,528 are also incorporated herein byreference into the present application as if fully set forth herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present application relates generally to portable electrical powersources and, more specifically, to a light-weight battery used in anintravenous fluid heating system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Intravenous (IV) fluids administered in a human body may need to havecertain temperature when administrated. IV fluids, such as for example,blood, plasma, plasma extenders, Hextend™ electrolyte solution, andmedications, may be refrigerated for preservation. In other examples,the IV fluids may be kept at room temperature. When administered, theseIV fluids may need to be heated to avoid a chance that a patient willbecome hypothermic.

Medical facilities typically have electrical power and heaters forheating IV fluids to suitable body temperatures. However, outside ofmedical facilities it may be more difficult to obtain a power source forheating IV fluids. Additionally, medical situations that occur outsideof medical facilities often need equipment that is portable andlightweight.

Therefore, there is a need in the art for an improved power source. Inparticular, there is a need for a power source that is portable andlightweight.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one advantageous embodiment of the present disclosure, anapparatus is provided for heating fluids. A number of lithium-ion cellsare positioned within a housing. A first connector is positioned on afirst end of the housing and is operably connected to the number oflithium-ion cells. The first connector is configured to receiveelectrical energy from a power source. A second connector is positionedon a second end of the housing and operably connected to the number oflithium-ion cells. A heating element has a tube for transferring fluid.The heating element is configured to connect to the second connector. Acontroller is positioned within the housing and operably connected tothe number of lithium-ion cells and the second connector. The controlleris configured to monitor a rate at which the electrical energy isreceived by the heating element and to limit an amount of the electricalenergy received by the heating element when the rate reaches apredetermined level.

Before undertaking the DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION below, itmay be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words andphrases used throughout this patent document: the terms “include” and“comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion withoutlimitation; the term “or,” is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases“associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivativesthereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with,contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, becommunicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximateto, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like; and theterm “controller” means any device, system or part thereof that controlsat least one operation, such a device may be implemented in hardware,firmware or software, or some combination of at least two of the same.It should be noted that the functionality associated with any particularcontroller may be centralized or distributed, whether locally orremotely. Definitions for certain words and phrases are providedthroughout this patent document, those of ordinary skill in the artshould understand that in many, if not most instances, such definitionsapply to prior, as well as future uses of such defined words andphrases.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and itsadvantages, reference is now made to the following description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like referencenumerals represent like parts:

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a fluid heating system accordingto an advantageous embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of a portable power supply accordingto an advantageous embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a portable power supply according to an advantageousembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a view of a side of a portable power supply accordingto an advantageous embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a view of another side of the portable power supplyin FIG. 4 according to an advantageous embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a battery adapter module that may attach toa portable power supply according to an advantageous embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 7 is an illustration of connectors on the battery adapter module inFIG. 6 according to an advantageous embodiment of the presentdisclosure; and

FIGS. 8 a and 8 b are illustrations of example configurations of thebattery adapter module in FIG. 6 according to an advantageous embodimentof the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 through 8 b, discussed below, and the various embodiments usedto describe the principles of the present disclosure in this patentdocument are by way of illustration only and should not be construed inany way to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the artwill understand that the principles of the present disclosure may beimplemented in any suitably arranged computing device.

With reference now to the Figures and particularly with reference toFIG. 1, a block diagram of a fluid heating system is depicted inaccordance with an advantageous embodiment of the present disclosure.Fluid heating system 100 includes portable power supply 105 and heatingelement 110. Portable power supply 105 is a source of electrical powerthat provides electrical power to heating element 110. Heating element110 heats fluids in tube 115. For example, heating element 110 heats IVfluids prior to the fluids entering a person.

In this advantageous embodiment, portable power supply 105 is animproved battery adapted for supplying heating element 110 withelectrical power for heating fluids. Portable power supply 105 includeshousing 120. Housing 120 is a structure for holding components withinportable power supply 105. Housing 120 contains charging circuit 125, anumber of lithium-ion cells 130, and controller 135.

Charging circuit 125 is circuitry for charging the number of lithium-ioncells 130. Lithium-ion cells 130 may require a particular range of inputvalues for voltage. For example, certain lithium-ion batteries may havea range of acceptable voltages from about 3 volts to about 4.2 volts.Voltages beyond these ranges may result in overheating of the battery orloss in life of the battery. In these examples, charging circuit 125adapts input voltages to properly charge lithium-ion cells 130 withinacceptable tolerances. For example, charging circuit 125 is adapted toreceive a range of input voltages from about 10 volts of direct current(DC) to about 36 volts DC. Charging circuit 125 adapts and divides theinput voltage received at connector 140 to properly charge number oflithium-ion cells 130.

Controller 135 monitors voltages in number of lithium-ion cells 130.Controller 135 displays information about the charging of number oflithium-ion cells 130 in indicator 145. For example, when number oflithium-ion cells 130 is being charged, indicator 145 may display anindication in the form of a light to indicate that number of lithium-ioncells 130 is being charged. In another example, indicator 145 includesspeaker 160 that generating an audible sound indicating a status of thecharge of number of lithium-ion cells 130.

Additionally, indicator 145 may display an indication of a percentagethat number of lithium-ion cells 130 has been charged. For example,controller 135 identifies voltage of each cell in number of lithium-ioncells 130. Based on a known value for total charge of each cell,controller 135 illuminates a number of lights in indicator 145 that arerepresentative of the percentage of the total charge for number oflithium-ion cells 130. For example, the lights may be light emittingdiodes (LEDs) portions of a liquid crystal display (LCD), and/or anyother suitable

In another example, indicator 145 may generate an audible soundindicative of the percentage of the total charge for number oflithium-ion cells 130 using speaker 160. In another example, indicator145 includes communication unit 165 for communicating a status and/or ofthe charge of number of lithium-ion cells 130 over a network connectionusing a wired, fiber, wireless and/or other suitable type ofcommunications link. For example, communication unit 165 may be awireless communication transceiver and/or a network interface card.Communication unit 165 may provide the charge status to an operatordevice or monitoring center at a remote location.

In other examples, indicator 145 includes graphical display unit 170 fordisplaying the charging status of number of lithium-ion cells 130. Inone non-limiting example, graphical display unit 170 may be a LCD panelpositioned in or on an exterior surface of housing 120. Graphicaldisplay unit 170 can also receive inputs from an operator to controller135. For example, graphical display unit 170 may be used to turn on oroff portable power supply 105 or otherwise modify and control thecharging of number of lithium-ion cells 130. In some embodiments, anoperator may control portable power supply 105 remotely using commandsreceived by communication unit 165.

Controller 135 also controls the power output from portable power supply105 at connector 150. Controller 315 includes switch 155. Switch 155 isan electrical connection between number of lithium-ion cells 130 andconnector 150. Switch 155 can electrically disconnect heating element110 from number of lithium-ion cells 130. For example, as a securityfeature, when controller 135 detects that number of lithium-ion cells130 are charging, switch 155 disconnects heating element 110 from numberof lithium-ion cells 130. Disconnecting heating element 110 from numberof lithium-ion cells 130 reduces a chance that too much power istransferred to heating element 110 and that fluids in tube 115 willbecome too warm.

Additionally, controller 135 monitors a flow of current from number oflithium-ion cells 130 to heating element 110. For example, controller135 may include a meter to monitor current flow. In these examples, toreduce a chance of overheating, heating element 110 has a thresholdallowed amount of current that may be drawn from portable power supply105. Controller 135 monitors the current flow and may limit or stopcurrent flow to heating element 110 when the threshold is reached. Inone example, controller 135 includes a fuse that prevents current flowwhen the threshold is reached. In another example, controller 135includes a filter that limits the output of current at connector 150 tothe threshold amount. In one illustrative example, the threshold amountof current flow for heating element 110 is about 20 amperes (amps) ofcurrent.

In some illustrative embodiments, controller 135 receives feedbackinformation from heating element 110 through connector 150. For example,without limitation, controller 135 may receive information regardingfluid temperature, heating element performance, and historicalperformance data of heating element 110. Controller 135 can display thefeedback information received on graphical display unit 170. In anotherexample, controller 135 may send the feedback information to an operatoror monitoring center in a remote location using communication unit 165.In these examples, an operator may use the fluid temperature informationto monitor and or adjust settings of heating element 110. Additionally,historical performance data may be used to determine when tube 115 inheating element 110 should be replaced.

In this illustrative embodiment, fluid heating system 100 includesadapter 160. Adapter 160 transfers electrical power from a power source(not illustrated) to portable power supply 105 for charging number oflithium-ion cells 130. Adapter 160 connects to connector 140. In oneexample, adapter 160 may be an alternating current (AC) adapter formodifying an AC source into a DC input. In another example, adapter 160is a lighter plug for charging portable power supply 105 via a lightersocket from, for example, a car or solar panel. In yet another example,adapter 160 may be a pair of electrical cables having clamps forattaching to ends of a battery. In some embodiments, adapter 160 may notbe necessary. For example, the power source may connect directly toconnector 140.

In this advantageous embodiment, portable power supply 105 is a portablelightweight source of power for heating element 110. In one example,portable power supply 105 has a weight of about 1.25 pounds. Portablepower supply 105 supplies power for heating fluids in tube 115. In oneexample, heating element 110 includes a number of heating modules whichare concatenated in a daisy-chain or otherwise linked or connectedtogether. A fluid reservoir (not illustrated) such as an interventionsfluid bag, is attached to the input port of the first of the series ofthe heating modules. An IV needle assembly is attached to the outputport of a last heating module of the series of modules which are influid communication with each other.

In this example, fluid which moves from the reservoir through theheating modules heated by internal electrically energized coils orresistive elements located within the module that convert electricalpower into thermal energy. Although internal electrically energizedcoils or resistive elements are described herein, any suitable heatingelement can be used. The temperature of the fluid is monitored as itpasses through the series of modules 18. The temperature of the fluid isregulated by controller 135 by controlling the amount of current passingfrom number of lithium-ion cells 130 to the heating coils of the heatingelement 110 in response to thermal detectors located in or along thefluid path within heating element 110.

Also in this example, heating modules in heating element 110 may beconcatenated or otherwise connected with other heating modules to form alonger fluid path or may be used individually. The number of heatingmodules in heating element 110 may be selected by the amount of heatthat needs to be transferred to the fluid or a rate that the fluidtravels through tube 115. By way of example, FIG. 3 and thecorresponding text of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/891,463,incorporated by reference above, illustrate and describe a linearconcatenation of heating modules that raise the temperature of a fluidin stages. FIG. 4 and the corresponding text of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/891,463, incorporated by reference above, illustrate anddescribe a 3-dimensional concatenation of heating modules that raise thetemperature of a fluid in stages.

The illustration of fluid heating system 100 in FIG. 1 is not meant toimply physical or architectural limitations to the manner in whichdifferent illustrative embodiments may be implemented. Other componentsin addition to and/or in place of the ones illustrated may be used. Somecomponents may be unnecessary in some illustrative embodiments. Also,the blocks are presented to illustrate some functional components. Oneor more of these blocks may be combined and/or divided into differentblocks when implemented in different illustrative embodiments.

For example, any one of indicator 450, speaker 160, communication unit165, and/or graphical display unit 170 may not be present in someembodiments. In other embodiments, radiofrequency identification (RFID)tags or labels may be included on portable power supply 105 foridentifying portable power supply 105. In yet other embodiments, anycomponents that may identify a position of portable power supply 105 maybe disabled. For example, indicator 450, speaker 160, communication unit165, graphical display unit 170 and/or RFID tags for portable powersupply 105 may be disabled so as not to give away a position of portablepower supply 105.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of a power source according to anadvantageous embodiment of the present disclosure. In this illustrativeembodiment, portable power supply 200 is an example of oneimplementation of portable power supply 105 in FIG. 1. As illustrated,portable power supply 200 includes upper housing 205 and lower housing210. In this illustrative example, upper housing 205 and lower housing210 are made of a composite material, such as for example, plastic orsome other type of polymer. Upper housing 205 and lower housing 210 aresecurely and solidly joined together it improve durability of portablepower supply 200. In one example, a seam between upper housing 205 andlower housing 210 is welded using ultrasonic welding. In other examples,upper housing 205 and lower housing 210 may be mechanically orchemically joined.

Portable power supply 200 also includes lithium-ion cells 215, chargingcircuit 220, controller 225, indicator 230, plurality of LEDs 235, andoutput 240. Plurality of LEDs 235 display a percentage of charge oflithium-ion cells 215 in portable power supply 200. In this example fourLEDs are illustrated; thus each light may represent about 25% oflithium-ion cells 215 being charged. In other examples, any number ofLEDs may be utilized and any number of different percentages may beindicated. In this example, portable power supply 200 also includesinsulating layers 245. Insulating layers 245 provide insulation againstmovement that may occur in portable power supply 200. In one example,insulating layers 245 are made from foam pads.

FIG. 3 illustrates a portable power supply according to an advantageousembodiment of the present disclosure. Portable power supply 300 is anexample of one implementation of portable power supply 200. In thisdepicted example, portable power supply 300 includes plurality ofgrooves 305 formed in the exterior surface of the housing of portablepower supply 300. Plurality of grooves 305 assist operators in holdingportable power supply 300. For example, plurality of grooves 305 mayassist in wet or slippery conditions.

Also illustrated in this example is carabineer 310. Carabineer 310 givesan operator options in mounting and holding portable power supply 300.For example, without limitation, carabineer 310 may be utilized tosecure portable power supply 300 to a stretcher, a person's clothing, abackpack, a net, a hook, or any other surface or structure in anaircraft or helicopter, or an IV fluid stand. In other examples, othertypes of securing devices, for example, hooks or straps, may be used inplace of carabineer 310.

FIG. 4 illustrates a view of a side of a portable power supply accordingto an advantageous embodiment of the present disclosure. Portable powersupply 400 is seen from a side view. In this illustrative example,portable power supply 400 has output 405. Output 405 is a socket typeconnector adapted to receive a plug type connector from a heatingelement, such as for example, heating element 110 in FIG. 1. Output 405is surrounded by insulator 410. Insulator 410 reduces current flow indirections other then out of output 405. For example, portable powersupply 400 may be utilized in conditions where water is preset.Insulator 410 reduces current flow into a wet environment rather thaninto a connected heating element.

Also illustrated are indicator 415 and plurality of LEDs 420. Indicator415 provides an indication of whether portable power supply 400 is beingcharged. Plurality of LEDs 420 illustrates a percentage of charge inportable power supply 400.

FIG. 5 illustrates a view of another side of the portable power supplyin FIG. 4 according to an advantageous embodiment of the presentdisclosure. In this illustrative example, portable power supply 400 isseen from another side. Portable power supply 400 has input 500. In thisexample, input 500 is a coaxial socket input, though other types ofelectrical connectors may be present in other embodiments. In oneexample, input 500 is a 2.5 mm DC input. Any number of different tipsand adapters can connect to input 500 to charge portable power supply400 via any number of different power sources. Input 500 is alsosurrounded by insulator 505. Insulator 505 reduces an amount of currentthat may leak or short from input 500.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a battery adapter module that may attach tothe portable power supply according to an advantageous embodiment of thepresent disclosure. In this illustrative example, battery adapter module600 is configured to be attached to portable power supply 605. Portablepower supply 605 is an example of one implementation of portable powersupply 105. Battery adapter module 600 enables multiple devices toreceive power from portable power supply 605. For example, batteryadapter module 600 may include any number of different outputs foroutputting power from portable power supply 605 in any number ofdifferent formats and or configurations. For example, withoutlimitation, outputs on portable power supply 605 may include one or moreof a universal serial bus (USB) connector, a lighter socket, anInstitute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE)1394 interface(e.g. FireWire™, iLINK™, Lynx™), a Thunderbolt™ interface, Ethernetsocket, an inverter with an alternating current (AC) outlet and/or anyother suitable power outlet.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of connectors on the battery adapter moduleillustrated in FIG. 6. In this illustrative example, battery adaptermodule 600 includes connectors 700. Connectors 700 are configured toprovide an electrical connection between battery adapter module 600 andportable power supply 605 in FIG. 6. In this example, connectors 700 aremale pins. For example, connectors 700 from a plug that is adapted to bereceived by the socket of output 405 in FIG. 4. In various embodiments,battery adapter module 600 includes outer edges 705 extending frombattery adapter module 600. Outer edges 705 are adapted to securely wraparound and mechanically interface with portable power supply 605 in FIG.6. In some embodiments, outer edges 705 may be flat such that batteryadapter module 600 can be connected to portable power supplies ofdifferent sizes, such as, for example, batteries described in U.S. Pat.No. 6,142,974 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,139,528. In other embodiments, anadditional module (not illustrated) may be included for extending anelectrical connection beyond the extension of outer edges 705 forbattery adapter module 600 to be connected to portable power supplies ofdifferent sizes.

FIGS. 8 a and 8 b illustrate example configurations of the batteryadapter module in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 a illustrates battery adapter module600 having four outputs. For example, the four outputs may be USBconnectors 800. FIG. 8 b illustrates battery adapter module 600 havingthree outputs. For example, the three outputs may include two USBconnectors 805 and one lighter socket 810. The output connectors inFIGS. 8 a and 8 b may be used to supply power to any number of differentmobile devices, such as, for example, mobile phones, tablet computers,personal digital assistants and or any other suitable mobile device. Theillustration of battery adapter module 600 in FIGS. 8 a and 8 b are notmeant to imply physical or architectural limitations to the manner inwhich different illustrative embodiments may be implemented. Forexample, any different number and type of outputs may be utilized bybattery adapter module 600.

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present inventionhave been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intendedto be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Manymodifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the describedembodiments. It is intended that the present disclosure encompass suchmodifications and variations as fall within the scope of the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for heating fluids, the apparatuscomprising: a number of lithium-ion cells positioned within a housing; afirst connector positioned on a first end of the housing and opperablyconnected to the number of lithium-ion cells, the first connectorconfigured to receive electrical power from a power source; a secondconnector positioned on a second end of the housing and opperablyconnected to the number of lithium-ion cells; a heating element having atube for transferring fluid, the heating element configured to connectto the second connector, receive electrical power stored in the numberof lithium-ion cells, and heat the fluid by converting the electricalpower into thermal energy; and a controller positioned within thehousing and opperably connected to the number of lithium-ion cells andthe second connector, the controller configured to monitor a rate atwhich the electrical power is received by the heating element and limitan amount of the electrical power received by the heating element whenthe rate reaches a predetermined level.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the controller is further configured to electrically disconnectthe second connector from the number of lithium-ion cells when the firstconnector is connected to the power source.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the controller is further configured to electrically disconnectthe second connector from the number of lithium-ion cells in response tothe rate at which the electrical power is received by the heatingelement reaching the predetermined level.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1further comprising: a graphical display unit configured to display acharging status of the number of lithium-ion cells.
 5. The apparatus ofclaim 4 further comprising: a feedback connector within the secondconnector, the feedback connector configured to receive feedbackinformation from the heating element, wherein the graphical display unitis further configured to display the feedback information.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 4, wherein the graphical display unit is furtherconfigured to receive control inputs, and wherein the controller isfurther configured to control a charging state of the number oflithium-ion cells based on the control inputs received.
 7. The apparatusof claim 1 further comprising: a communication unit configured to sendinformation regarding a charging status of the number of lithium-ioncells to a remote location.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 furthercomprising: a feedback connector within the second connector, thefeedback connector configured to receive feedback information from theheating element, wherein the communication unit is further configured tosend the feedback information to a remote location.
 9. The apparatus ofclaim 7, wherein the communication unit is further configured to receivecontrol signals sent from the remote location in response to theinformation sent, and wherein the controller is further configured tocontrol a charging state of the number of lithium-ion cells based on thecontrol inputs received.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1 furthercomprising: a charging circuit connected to the number of lithium-ioncells and to the first connector, the charging circuit configured toreceive a range of direct current voltage inputs to charge the number oflithium-ion cells, the range of direct current voltage inputs rangingfrom about ten volts to about thirty-six volts.
 11. The apparatus ofclaim 10 further comprising: an adapter operably connected to thecharging circuit, the adapter configured to transfer an input voltageinto a voltage within the range of direct current voltage inputs,wherein the adapted is one of a alternating current adapter, a pair ofelectrical cables, and a lighter plug.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1further comprising: a battery adapter module configured to connect tothe second connector, the battery adapter module configured to outputpower from the number of lithium-ion cells in a number of formats usingat least one output connector.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein theat least one output connector is one of a USB connector and a lightersocket.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the heating elementincludes a plurality of concatenated heating modules, each heatingmodule in the plurality of concatenated heating modules comprising aninput port and an output port, an input port of a first heating moduleof plurality of concatenated heating modules connected to a intravenousfluid supply and an output port of another heating module of pluralityof concatenated heating modules connected to an intravenous fluidneedle.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a carabineerattached to a corner of the housing; and a plurality of grooves in anexterior surface of the housing wherein the housing comprises a firstportion and a second portion, and wherein a seam between the firstportion and a second portion is sonically welded, and wherein a totalweight of the housing is less than or equal to about two pounds.
 16. Anapparatus for heating fluids, the apparatus comprising: a number oflithium-ion cells positioned within a housing; a first connectorpositioned on a first end of the housing and opperably connected to thenumber of lithium-ion cells, the first connector configured to receiveelectrical power from a power source; a charging circuit connected tothe number of lithium-ion cells and to the first connector, the chargingcircuit configured to receive a range of direct current voltage inputsto charge the number of lithium-ion cells, the range of direct currentvoltage inputs ranging from about ten volts to about thirty-six volts; asecond connector positioned on a second end of the housing and opperablyconnected to the number of lithium-ion cells; a heating element having atube for transferring fluid, the heating element configured to connectto the second connector, receive electrical power stored in the numberof lithium-ion cells, and heat the fluid by converting the electricalpower into thermal energy; and a controller positioned within thehousing and opperably connected to the number of lithium-ion cells andthe second connector, the controller configured to monitor a rate atwhich the electrical power is received by the heating element, limit anamount of the electrical power received by the heating element when therate reaches a predetermined level when the rate reaches a predeterminedlevel, and electrically disconnect the second connector from the numberof lithium-ion cells when the first connector is connected to the powersource.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the controller is furtherconfigured to electrically disconnect the second connector from thenumber of lithium-ion cells in response to the rate at which theelectrical power is received by the heating element reaching thepredetermined level.
 18. The apparatus of claim 16 further comprising: abattery adapter module configured to connect to the second connector,the battery adapter module configured to output power from the number oflithium-ion cells in a number of formats using at least one outputconnector, wherein the at least one output connector is one of a USBconnector and a lighter socket.
 19. An apparatus for heating fluids, theapparatus comprising: a number of lithium-ion cells positioned within ahousing; a first connector positioned on a first end of the housing andopperably connected to the number of lithium-ion cells, the firstconnector configured to receive electrical power from a power source; afirst insulator surrounding the first connector; a charging circuitconnected to the number of lithium-ion cells and to the first connector,the charging circuit configured to receive a range of direct currentvoltage inputs to charge the number of lithium-ion cells, the range ofdirect current voltage inputs ranging from about ten volts to aboutthirty-six volts; a second connector positioned on a second end of thehousing and opperably connected to the number of lithium-ion cells; asecond insulator surrounding the second connector; a heating elementhaving a tube for transferring fluid, the heating element configured toconnect to the second connector, receive electrical power stored in thenumber of lithium-ion cells, and heat the fluid by converting theelectrical power into thermal energy; and a controller positioned withinthe housing and opperably connected to the number of lithium-ion cellsand the second connector, the controller configured to monitor a rate atwhich the electrical power is received by the heating element,electrically disconnect the second connector from the number oflithium-ion cells in response to the rate at which the electrical poweris received by the heating element reaching the predetermined level, andelectrically disconnect the second connector from the number oflithium-ion cells when the first connector is connected to the powersource.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein a total weight of thehousing the number of lithium-ion cells, the first connector, firstinsulator, the charging circuit, the second connector, the secondinsulator, and the controller is less than or equal to about two pounds.